Bands that should get more attention. - Progressive Rock Music Forum

Well, bands that should get more attention? Nice topic !

IN MY OPINION THESE SYMPHONIC ROCK BANDS SHOULD GET MORE ATTENTION :

AFTER CRYING - Struggle For Life
— In the mid-Nineties I discovered the incredible progrock from the Hungarian formation After Crying. This 2-CD set is a very comprehensive musical compilation of their best work and their stunning skills on a wide range of instruments. You can compare After Crying with Gentle Giant concerning the complexity of the music and versatility of every musician. The sound of their music has elements from ELP (bombastic keyboards) and King Crimson (Fripperian guitar) but in general it's a unique blend of classical, jazz, rock, symphonic and avant-garde: a combination of Keith Emerson keyboards, trumpet, fiery electric guitar in "Viadukt", soaring keyboards, repetetive guitarplay and powerful drumbeats in "Stalker", howling electric guitar, a wailing cello and powerful trumpet in "Suburban night", piano, cello and contrabas in the Gentle Giant sounding "Goblin dance", sensitive Fripperian guitar (like Edhels) in "Pilgrim's march" and a superb rendition of King Crimson's classic piece "Starless", goose bumps! After Crying doesn't make very accesible progrock because the combination of classical instruments (please, take a look at the track listing) and modern electric equipment and the variety of styles begs for an adventurous taste and most progheads are very conservative. An example: a few years ago I attended a gig in Holland during their world tour, I was one of the 40 visitors....! But this didn't bother the band, they played very inspired and enjoyed the hugh response from the 40 fans. EXCELLENT AND UNIQUE PROG!!

EELA CRAIG - Symphonic Rock
— The often overlooked Austrian progrock band EELA CRAIG epitomizes the whole Austrian progressive movement. The music on the great compilation-CD “Symphonic rock” (including the songs from the albums “One Niter” and “Hats of Glass”) is hard to compare, maybe some hints from RICK WAKEMAN solo, ELOY, PINK FLOYD and CAMEL can be traced. The melodic and harmonic music from EELA CRAIG is build upon beautiful interplay between four members with their keyboards (ranging from soaring strings and bombastic choir- Mellotron to the typical sound of the Fender Rhodes electric piano, sensational Moog flights, swinging clavinet and powerful Hammond organ runs) and sensitive and howling electric guitar play. The moving compositions sound warm and are coloured with lots of instruments, from the aforementioned keyboards to flute, acoustic guitar and assorted percussion. Wonderful symphonic rock that deserves more attention, especially ‘Tron- maniacs’ will be delighted about the omnipresence of this unique keyboard.

HEMLOCK-Exordium
- This Canadian ‘heavy progressive’quartet includes John Brown (electric – and acoustic guitars, violin, recorders, flute and backing vocals), Dean Roberts (fretless bass), Todd Nesbitt (drums and percussion) and Jim Rose (vocals, electric -, acoustic – and classical guitars, bass pedal, synthesizer and percussion). In ’94 they made their debut-album entitled “Exordium”, a blend of folk, hardrock like Metallica and progrock like Rush. Unfortunately Hemlock turned out to be another promising one-shot band.
In my opinion the album “Exordium” is a bit overlooked gem. Due to frequent accellarations, shifting moods and heavy outbursts, Hemlock sounds often very exciting. Another strong point is the constant tension between on one side the acoustic instruments (classical guitar, flute and many violin solos) and on the other side the electric guitar and powerful rhythm-section. The beautiful epic song “The immortal” (almost 20 minutes) is the only composition that contains flute and synthesizer. The guitarplay on the whole album is magnificent (howling and biting solos and strong overdubs), it could have been a tribute to Alex Lifeson, one of the most underrated rock guitarplayers.

KYRIE ELEISON - The Complete Recordings 1974-1978
— This band is rooted in 1973 when 3 schoolfriends decided to make music in the vein of their heroes Yes, Genesis and ELP. They made some albums, joined VDGG, Colosseum, Amon Duul and Eela Craig (my favorite Austrian band) on festivals but eventually Kyrie Eleison ran out of money, the same old story as so many small progrock bands discovered when the record companies ignored them! The music on this 3-CD set (limited edition of 1000 copies) varies a lot in sound - and musical quality. On disc-1 the music is in the vein of Iron Butterfly, Deep Purple and early Jane (the keyboardplayer is obviously classical educated), the tension between the guitar and keyboards evokes early Wallenstein. The compositions and sound quality are amateurish but contain many strong moments featuring a church- organ intro, sparkling piano, compelling organ, some Floydian organ and a bluesy Dave Greenslade-like organ piece. Disc 2 is more symphonic (Mellotron, synthesizer soli and a solo classical piano piece) with strong echoes from early Earth & Fire (but in a more raw version) and Genesis. Comparing to Dutch bands, I trace also Finch during the fiery electric guitar parts. The five compositions deliver some beautiful symphonic rock but the vocals are mediocre. Disc-3 has the focus on the key-album "The fountain beyond the sunrise", I suggest to read the reviews on Prog Archives (and other progrock sites), these are ranging from boring and poor Genesis clone to wonderful Genesis inspired symphonic rock, it's up to you!

MORSE CODE - Les grands succès de Morse Code
— I know that some very die-hard record collectors will pay a lot of money for the Morse Code LP's, it's a kind of cult band for them! I prefer to listen to CD's, this compilation with 12 tracks features 5 songs from their acclaimed debut album. These are the most captivating and progressive moments on this CD. The long opener "La marche des hommes" (at about 11 minutes) delivers delicate guitarwork, ominous, Wetton-like bass play, a mellow organ sound and soaring Mellotron. Most of the following songs sound powerful and alternating, Morse Code succeeds to make both wonderful dreamy (tender acoustic guitar and emotional French vocals) as harder-edged prog (fiery electric guitar). Unfortunately most of the other songs are very polished and not really progressive. But the two final tracks are almost worth buying this CD: "Magie de musique" is very bombastic featuring Pallas-like Mellotron and the instrumental "Cocktail" delivers fine flute and Mellotron. This is a nice introduction to the acclaimed Canadian progrock band.

OMEGA - Live at the Kisstadion
— This acclaimed legendary Hungarian prog rock band made some beautiful albums in the Seventies but ‘live’ they were at their best. This originally 2-LP from ’79 (on the 1-CD release the song “Rush Hour” has been deleted) showcases an inspired and powerful performance (more than 50.000 spectators!) from OMEGA, playing most of finest material like “Gammapolis” (great howling guitar licks), “Help To Find Me” (strong Minimoog solo with sensational use of the pitch bend button), “Time Robber”, “High On The Starway” (rock and roll with heavy duo guitar work) and “Metamorphosis II + II. The massive crowd reacts very enthusiastic to the warm, melodic and varied ‘heavy progressive rock’ featuring tasteful keyboards, fiery and sensitive electric guitar and inspired Hungarian/English vocals. I’m pleased with the typical melancholic mood from Eastern Europe in some songs (like “Russian Winter”), very original that makes OMEGA to a band worth to discover for the younger ‘prog heads’.

PLJ BAND - Armageddon
— The album “Armageddon” (1982) by the formation PLJ BAND is often considered as one of the most compelling progressive rock albums ever made. The sound is very unique: a captivating progressive blend of acoustic – and electric folk and (space) rock with a strong psychedelic undertone. The tension between the acoustic – and classical guitars (twanging and rhythm) and the soaring and spacey keyboards on one hand and the fiery and howling, distorted electric guitarplay on the other hand creates a lot of tension and compelling climates, emphasized by the hypnotizing vocals. The stunning surrealistic cover art is in the vein of Salvador Dali. Perhaps his mind reigns over this album? If you want a psychedelic experience without drugs, this one is yours!

SBB-FOLLOW MY DREAM
- The name from this known Polish band is an abbreviation from Silesian Blues Band. In the early Seventies they started as members from a musical project by musician Czeslaw Niemen. From 1974 they decided to make their own music and S.B.B. started to give concerts and to make albums.

This album is from 1978 and contains two long parts (each has a running time from at about 20 minutes). The first one entitled “Going away” starts with the powerful and distinctive sound from the Hammond organ, then soaring keyboards and Gilmourian guitar work (“Meddle”-era). Due to the vocal similarities with Steve Hillage the music evokes Gong and early Hillage-solo. The more fluent parts feature flashy Moog synthesizer flights and other vintage keyboards like the clavinet and string-ensemble, a very pleasant colouring. The second composition “Follow my dream” delivers more jazzrock inspired music, the Moog work often reminds me of Jan Hammer (Mahavishnu Orchestra and Jeff Beck solo). We can also enjoy swinging parts with a fat bass sound and Fender Rhodes piano and some good guitar soli. Unfortunately the final part sounds more poppy, not a very representative ending of this fine and varied album.

SOLARIS - Marsbéli Krónikák (Martian Chronicles)
— The Hungarian formation SOLARIS was originally founded by some school friends in 1980. The band’s name was derived from the title of book by SF writer Stanislaw Lem. In ’84 SOLARIS released their first album “The Martian Chronicles”, it sold almost 40.000 copies. On “The Martian Chronicles” SOLARIS creates a very dynamic and compelling progressive mix of classical and rock music. It’s build upon sensational interplay between fiery electric guitar, tasteful keyboards and a powerful flute with lots of changing climates, surprising breaks and bombastic outbursts. Although SOLARIS sound rather unique, elements of JETHRO TULL (flute), MANFRED MANN’S EARTH BAND (Mini-moog solos with pitch bend) and JEAN MICHEL JARRE (electronic intro in the first part of the title track) can be traced. For me this CD is one of the highlights in progressive rock. What a powerful and great prog rock!

SOLARIS - Solaris 1990
— Many years ago I ordered the 2-LP “1990” in the USA. But they send me the CD-version on which the ‘side-long-track’ “Los Angeles 2026” had been deleted! What a disappointement but fortunately a few years ago I managed to purchase the reissue 2-CD “1990” , including some fine bonustracks and... the lost track “Los Angeles 2026”. It contains dynamic and propulsive with spectacular synth runs, fiery electric guitar and beautiful flute-play. Remarkable is the spacy keyboard sound in some songs and the obvious classical influences. The tracks from the mid-period (1986) sound rather accessible: a catchy and often funny combination of classic, pop and rock. But the most impressive composition is their ‘magnus opus’ Los Angeles 2026 (almost 24 minutes long). It opens with alarm sirens and SF sounds to evoke a menacing atmosphere of a future Los Angeles. Then it starts to swing with propulsive guitarplay, powerful drums and some funky bass-play, followed by lots of changing climates and short pieces with modern keyboards. Suddenly a mid-long solo piece from the piano begins, from tender to sparkling until the captivating interplay from electric guitar, flute and keyboards takes it over, enjoy the spectacular synthesizer flights! A howling electric guitar and bluesy organ is next and then the ‘essential Solaris’ appears again with splendid interplay between the fiery electric guitar, swirling flute and spectacular keyboards (Manfred Mann meets Jethro Tull and Focus). Slowly the same climate as during the intro returns, topped by a fat synthesizer sound. I hope that once the video Progfest 1995 Day One will be relased on DVD, it contains almost 30 minutes of Solaris playing live, EXCELLENT, what a STUNNING PROGROCK BAND!!

SOLARIS-Nostradamus Book Of Prophecies
— After their acclaimed gig on the Progfest 1995, Solaris was very motivated to keep on making music, even to make a new album. Well, eventually they came up with that new CD in 1999 and I’m very delighted about it! The source of inspiration was the famous and controversial work from visionair Nostradamus. I have read a lot about Nostradamus and his works, it sounds very interesting but to me there is too much room for interpretation and many people use it as a kind of Bible!
But back to the music from Solaris, the CD starts with the long composition “Book of prophecies” (3 parts, 20 minutes), first a sound collage, then a wonderful build-up featuring a sampled choir, percussion, a modern keyboard sound, howling electric guitar and spectacular synthesizer runs. Of course the music from Solaris delivers those distinctive, Jethro Tull-like flute play, very tasteful blended with keyboards and guitars. Remarkable is the colouring of the climates with exotic sounds like the South-American pan-flute, the native North American and African chants and the Australian didgederoo. The tracks “The duel” (lots of propulsive organ waves), “The lion’s empire” (powerful guitar-riffs) and “Wings of the phoenix” featuring saxophone) showcase the typical Solaris sound: strong and dynamic featuring many shifting moods (slow, bombastic, swinging), loaded with great soli on lots of instruments. The other songs sound more adventurous like the captivating “Ship of darkness”: fat synthesizer flights, JT-like flute and percussion are the home-base for a blend with musical ideas like a choir, howling electric guitar and a break with bass guitar. The intricate composition “Wargames” contains a lot of tension between a sampled choir, floods of organ, flute and guitar, GREAT! The song “The moment of truth” is a very dreamy song, divided into two parts featuring sensitive electric guitar, saxophone and beautiful piano play. The bonustrack is an ‘edit-version’ (3,5 minutes) from “The book of prophecies”. I own all the previous Solaris CD’s and have to say that I’m stunned by the way Solaris has succeeded to sound as a band from 1999, so creative and exciting. This CD is dedicated to the memory of guitarplayer ‘Czigi’ who died very sadly in 1998. He would have been very proud on the result of this CD. GREAT PROGROCK FROM HUNGARY!!

SYMPHONIC SLAM-Symphonic Slam
— Many years ago I gave this album a try because of the wonderful painted album sleeve, in the vein of the usual progrock albums featuring a surrealistic/magical-realistic painting to dream away with. My first session caused mixed feelings because of the poppy atmosphere on some tracks. But gradually the music grew and grew and eventually I was delighted about the exciting mix of pop and symphonic: at some moments I trace hints from The Tubes, at other moments the music is more in the vein of "Utopia"-era Todd Rundgren. The strong point on this album is the tension in the music (from pop or art-rock to bombastic prog or electronics) and the use of fat sounding Oberheim synthesizers and a polyphonic guitar synthesizer, culminating in a very spectacular sound that often blows me away. THIS IS UNIQUE PROGRESSIVE POPROCK!!

TRESPASS- In Haze of Time
— Three years ago this keyboard driven trio from Israel delivered an amazing debut-CD: bombastic and dazzling synthesizer flights, impressive Hammond runs, swinging piano and some majestic harpsichord, this is the realm of keyboard-wizards in the vein of Keith Emerson, Rick van der Linden, Eddie Jobson or Toshio Egawa, what an excellent keyboardplay and what an extremely talented guy this is! But the seven compositions deliver more than just breathtaking keyboardwork (and some howling electric guitar). The climates range from classical (Bach) and rock to jazz and symphonic. Some songs contain surprising elements like the tin whistle, vibraphone and even some boogie woogie piano! The rhythm-section is very dynamic and propulsive, this trio rocks and swings! Unfortunately the vocals are mediocre and the music sounds far from original so I rate this for three stars. I'm still waiting for the next Trespass album, hopefully an instrumental one because then I will surely upgrade it to four stars!

LIFT - Caverns Of Your Brain
- The five piece band LIFT recorded four songs in the studio in 1974 but the band disbanded five years later without making a demo or LP. However, in 1977 the label Guiness Records released the four recorded studio tracks from Lift on a LP entitled Caverns Of Your Brain. This was illegal! Thanks to the #1 USA proghead Greg Walker the LP was put on CD on Greg his label Syn-Phonic and released as a CD in 1990.
Most tracks contain a fluent and dynamic rhythm-section (often a propulsive Chris Squire-like Rickenbacker bass sound) featuring very exciting work on vintage keyboards: wonderful violin-Mellotron waves and majestic choir-Mellotron eruptions, powerful Hammond work and sensational, fat sounding Moog flights, GOOSE BUMPS! The vocals evoke Jon Anderson and the guitarwork is a bit on the background but in the more mellow song Caverns the solo is beautful, very sensitive and build-up strongly.
IF YOU LIKE PLEASANT AND MELODIC, SEVENTIES INSPIRED VINTAGE KEYBOARDS DRENCHED SYMPHONIC ROCK, THIS ONE IS YOURS!!

MIRTHRANDIR-FOR YOU THE OLD WOMEN
- This one shot USA band is rooted in 1973, their debut album is from 1976. Listening to “For you the old women” bands like Yes (bass work, organ and vocal harmonies) and Gentle Giant (brass instruments and complex parts) come to my mind. Their sound is powerful and propulsive with a remarkable role for singer/trumpet player John Visocky III. The titletrack is a mellow opener, it contains twanging guitar and flute.Then “Conversation with personality Giver” featuring sparkling synthesizer runs, dynamic drums and soli on guitar, piano and organ. The following track “Light of the candle” delivers a tasteful and varied keyboard sound, from Fender Rhodes electric piano and Moog synthesizer to Hammond – and Farfisa organ. “Number six” (the fourth song...) is a musical maverick with a Frank Zappa-like structure featuring trumpets and a complex final part. The last composition “For four” is 15 minutes long typical Seventies progrock: alternating and varied with many instrumental parts, evoking Yes, Genesis and Kansas but in general Mirthrandir succeeds to sound original with as highlight a break with propulsive drums and organ. A ‘killer progressive CD’!

NETHERWORLD - Netherworld (In the Following Half-light)
— The story of this ‘USA cult prog rock band’ started in 1975 but not until 1981 NETHERWORLD released their debut-album entitled “In The Following Half-Light”. It contains seven compositions with varied instrumentation, exciting solos and elaborate arrangements (especially “Sargasso” with its frequently shifting moods, in my opinion their absolute highlight). The powerful and expressive vocals (sometimes a bit theatrical) and fiery and sensitive guitar play often reminds me of TWELFTH NIGHT, a very original neo- prog rock band from the early Eighties. But you can also trace hints from mid-GENESIS (twanging 12-string guitars and Mellotron waves), no wonder because NETHERWORLD used to play covers from them. The colouring of the music with a wide range of keyboards (from Grand piano and Oberheim – and ARP synthesizers to the Mellotron and Crumar organ) is very tasteful with some spectacular synthesizer flights. The instrumental CD release bonus track is titled “Cumulo Nimbus” (at about 10 minutes) and divided into three parts. It has a beautiful, compelling final piece with a howling guitar and majestic choir- Mellotron. If you like alternating and original prog rock (from melodic or dramatic to more complex or bombastic) this one is yours!

AVE ROCK - Ave Rock
— Although the second album sounds more progressive and more mature, I prefer the eponymous debut LP. The Hammond organ play is wonderful featuring many hugh floods and great runs, the guitar play is decent and the compositions are tasteful but not very original (evoking the organ-based progrock bands from the late-Sixties and early Seventies). Only the vocals doesn't please me, they tend too sound a bit unbalanced and at some moments too high pitched. Conclusion: a pleasant album for the Hammond aficionados.

BACAMARTE - Depois do Fim
— This is a Brazilian that made two albums entitled “Depois Do Fim” (’83) and “As Sete Cidades” (1999). In ’95 Rarity Records released their first LP on CD with the addition of the bonus track “Mirante Das Estrellas” from their second LP. The album “Depois Do Fim” is one of the highlights of the South-American prog rock: a compelling blend of varied keyboards (vintage synthesizers, strings, piano, organ), skilful acoustic – and electric guitar and strong female Portuguese vocals. The nine compositions (four instrumental) sound warm and elaborate with many changing atmospheres. I’m mostly impressed by Mario Neto’s alternating guita rplay: from powerful and howling electric guitar (with echoes from Neil Young to Steve Howe) to a slight Andalusian touch and classical like John Williams (SKY- era) or using the tremolo-technique on the Spanish guitar (like “Recuerdos de la Alhambra” from TARREGA). An unique, very varied prog rock CD, not to be missed by any serious prog rock aficionado!

BAUER - Astraunato Olvidado
— Here’s the Argentine answer to RADIOHEAD! Most of the songs on this album have a great build up: it starts cosmic, then gradually the music swells and finally BAUER features bombastic eruptions with howling electric guitars and floods of Mellotron. The Spanish vocals fit perfect to the often melancholic climates and the integration of organ, twanging electric guitar, acoustic rhythm guitar, piano and synthesizer is subtle and tasteful. This very compelling music is a mindblowing experience, for sure progrock has emotion! Although RADIOHEAD is the main influence, other obvious references are PINK FLOYD (Gilmourian slide guitar), PORCUPINE TREE (cosmic climates) and LANDBERK (fragile guitarplay and violin-Mellotron). The final composition “Un camino a traves del airs” is the highlight: lots of Mellotron, hypnotizing vocals, suddenly heavy guitarplay and an ominous, almost claustrofobic climate (evoking KING CRIMSON, “Red”-era) with splendid choir- Mellotron, I’m on cloud number nine!

CRUCIS - Kronologia
— This Argentinian band existed from ’74 until ’77 and made two records: “Crusis” from ’76 and “Los delirions de mariscal from ’77. The music has a typcial Seventies sound with echoes from The NICE and FOCUS. Both LP’s were released as separate CD’s but finally re- released on a 1-CD entitled “Kronologia”. The music is half instrumental/half with strong Spanish vocals and the emphasis is on the keyboards (organ, string-ensemble, synthesizers, Steinway – and Fender Rhodes piano), the rhythm-section sounds powerful and adventurous. The compositions are strong and dynamic with surprising breaks and the interplay between the electric guitar (often spectacular wah-wah) and keyboards is captivating. On their second album the tracks are longer with more solos and a stronger influence from jazzrock and Dutch masters FOCUS. Essential prog rock from South-America!

JAIVAS, LOS - Canción Del Sur
- I bought this album many years ago in a second hand record store for at about US $ 10,-. It has been released in 1977 by EMI Argentina, I own the 1980 EMI Italy LP version. 1 – La vida magica ay, si! This piece showcases the wonderful blend of prog and folk that Los Jaivas created : fiery electric guitar and splendid pianoplay mixed with the sound of several ehtnic instruments, topped by warm vocals and vocal harmonies, SIMPLY WONDERFUL! 2 – En la cumbre de un cerro A dreamy climate featuring acoustic gutiar, tender piano work, trumpet ( ?) and again warm vocals, very moving. Halfway this song delivers strong interplay between fiery electric guitar and sparkling piano. 3 – Cancion para los pajaros Lots of nature sounds like wind and birds (‘pajaros’ in Spanish) blended with flutes and ehtnic percussion, this is the sound of the Andes! 4 – Dum dum Tambora Here is a Paraguayan folk traditional that almost brings you in trance with the repetetive, hypnotizing vocals (like the native North-American indians) and a very special and unique mix of folk and progrock (electric guitar, piano and rhythm-section). 5 – Cancion del sur The titletrack is the highlight on this album: first dreamy with acoustic guitar and mellow vocals, then a moving build-up featuring sharp sounding synthesizer runs, sparkling piano and melancholical vocals, VERY COMPELLING! 6 – Danzas This track is build upon a hypnotizing drumbeat and features lots on fine instrumental interludes with a great build-up synthesizer solo, beautiful ethnic flutes and sensational duels between first sparkling piano and flute and then piano and fiery electric guitar, GREAT! 7 – Frescura antigua A warm and moving ethnic climate featuring twanging acoustic guitar, flutes, the charango (small native guitar) and a focus on the wonderful sound of the panflute. I still prefer the album “Alturas de Macchu Picchu” (also because of the excelent DVD) but this one comes mighty close! This is unique progressive folk from Los Jaivas, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

JAIVAS, LOS - Alturas de Macchu Picchu
— This band from Chile is one of the most interesting blends of folk and symphonic rock. They are playing many instruments including the ethnic tutruka, charanjo, tarka, tumbadore, bongo and maracas. My favorite album is “Alturas de Machu Picchu”” from ’81, featuring Nobel prize winning poet Pablo Neruda, responsible for the lyrics. Highlight is “La poderosa muerte”, a melodic and harmonic composition (around 12 minutes) that starts with the typical sound of the panflute and melancholic piano notes, very beautiful and moving, followed by emotional Spanish vocals. The build up is magnificent with propulsive drums and sparkling piano play, soon accompanied by a fat sounding synthesizer and fiery electric guitar. The dramatic atmosphere is emphasized by pathetic vocal harmonies. The moods keep on shifting with lots of (ethnic) instruments, a very emotional experience and a fine proove that progrock has emotion! A VERY PLEASANT ‘EPIC’ FROM A GREAT, IN MY OPINION, SLIGHTLY UNDERRATED PROGROCK BAND.

NEXUS - Metanoia
— The album "Metanoia" (2001) from the Argentine progrock formation NEXUS is one of the best progrock releases of the last five years! It’s more mature and balanced than the debut CD “Detras del umbral”. The sound on “Metanoia” is impressive with very lush and bombastic keyboards (with echoes from ELP and the Japanese progrock) and due to the more dominant guitarplay the sound of NEXUS often evokes IQ (the albums “Ever” and “Dark matter”) but also early HACKETT solo and of course mid-GENESIS. The 24-carat symphonic rock compositions are compelling with lots of captivating changes of climate and splendid solos on keyboard (organ and synthesizers) and guitar. The powerful female Spanish vocals fit perfect to all atmospheres, what a great voice. In my opinion this album offers all the elements that makes symphonic rock so worth listening! Meanwhile vocalist Maria Gonzalez has left the band and early 2005 NEXUS will release their next album. Keyboardplayer Lalo Huber told me that it will contain a lot of Hammond, Mellotron and ‘vintage synthesizers’ and guest male singers. In my opinion that CD will go for the full five star award!

ALAMEDA - Todas Las Grabaciones En CBS 1979-1983 (****)
- Here is a 2-CD by Spanish progrock band Alameda featuring all the tracks from their four studio-albums, released between 1979 and 1983. If you are up to Spanish progressive rock, don't miss this excellent compilation, what an exciting encounter between progressive rock and flamenco, the ethnic music from Andalusia (the southern part of Spain). The 32 elaborate compositions sound very pleasant, melodic, harmonic and varied, from romantic and dreamy to bombastic symphonic rock or swinging jazzrock. The Spanish vocals are outstanding: powerful, emotional and that typical flamenco undertone (without the usual wailing experssion), this man gives many tracks an extra dimension! Alameda plays very professional: a splendid, very fluent rhythm- section, tasteful keyboards (from soaring strings to swinging piano and sensational synthesizer flights) and often exciting guitarwork, both electric as flamenco (with contributions from legends Tomatito and Paco De Lucia).If you want to discover the Spanish prog or you like Triana, Cai or Azahar, this comprehensive two set is yours!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

SCHICKE FÜHRS & FRÖHLING (SFF) - Live 1975 (****)
- A few months ago I read about this CD in a review. It was a very short one but the word Mellotron was used several times so I immediately ordered this CD. Well, it is one of the most Mellotron drenched albums I have ever heard and I often got the idea that bands like Anglagard and Anekdoten must have been inspired by this German trio because of the sound of the mighty Trons, incredible! Don't expect elaborate compositions or complex arrangements, the emphasis is on the Mellotron (played by Eduard Schicke and Gerd Fuhrs) featuring wonderful layers, some splendid, very dramatic build-up pieces and bombastic eruptions. The haunting atmosphere in Dialog reminds me of early King Crimson and Seventies Italian prog, very compelling with ominous violin-Mellotron, biting electric guitar and furious drumming. The magnum opus is Modimidofre (almost 30 minutes) delivering excellent mellotron parts although at some moments the music sounds a bit fragmentic. Along the Mellotron (lots of violin but also some majestic choir) we can enjoy keyboards like the Fender Rhodes electric piano and the Moog synthesizer, exciting Fripperian guitar play and adventurous and propulsive drum work. A MUST FOR EVERY TRON-MANIAC BUT THE UNIQUE PROG BY SFF DESERVES MORE ATTENTION!

NEMO - Si Partie 1 (****)
- Incredible how this stunning French progrock band succeeds to sound innovative after 40 years of progressive rock, Nemo is a genuine progressive rock band! A few years ago I got their second album entitled Présages as a promo and since then I am a fan from this band. I love their exciting and very progressive blend of rock, jazz, metal, symphonic and classic. Last year Nemo released the CD Immersion Publique – Live after three studio albums, unfortunately this was mostly overlooked on this site. So I hope that this new album will gain more attention, Nemo deserves worldwide recognition!
1. Douce Mort (14.24) : The first part starts with wonderful keyboard work (piano, strings, violin-Mellotron) and changes very flowing into Nemo their trademark: dynamic progrock featuring fiery and heavy guitarplay, sensational keyboard flights and an adventurous, powerful rhythm-section. The one moment it sounds very bombastic with organ floods and heavy guitar riffs, the other moment the atmosphere is mellow with fragile piano and and twanging guitars. The French vocals are very distinctive: varied and expressive but less theatrical than Christian Decamps from Ange.
2. Ici, maintenant (6.28) : It starts with classical piano and gradually turns into more bombastic featuring fiery electric guitar, sparkling piano play and dramatic vocals. The second part delivers a more mellow climate with piano and acoustic rhythm guitar.
3. Miroirs (6.40) : This track is based upon great interplay between guitar and keyboards, especially the spectacular synthesizer flights and heavy guitar riffs sound exciting!
4. Si (7.26) : A dreamy piece with melancholical vocals and twanging guitars, halfway a wonderful howling guitar solo. The final part sounds a bit too longwinding to me.
5. Apprentis Sorciers (19.59) : This is Nemo their ‘magnum opus’, the band at their best delivering a captivating and alternating ‘progrock journey’. The first part contains a swinging up-tempo with powerful bass, fiery electric guitar and sparking piano and a howling guitar solo with great interplay between guitar, keyboards and rhythm-section. Then mellow organ waves and acoustic guitar culminating in a bombastic piece with wonderful violin play, exciting interplay and soli from wah-wah guitar and Fender Rhodes piano. The final part contains a compelling build-up with dreamy piano and emotional vocals and gradually swelling bombastic prog featuring fiery electric guitar, lush and varied keyboards and an excellent powerful electric guitar solo.

Dear progheads, visit Nemo their spendid site www.nemo- world.com and CHECK OUT THIS GREAT PROGROCK ADVENTURE!!

INTERPOSE+ - Interpose+ (****)
- WOW, this is an amazing debut CD from a Japanese band that has so much to offer and an incredible high level of musicianship!

1. Aircon (11:03): The intro delivers a slow and compelling rhythm with howling electric guitar, then a powerful mid-tempo rhythm with jazzrock overtones and great interplay. Lots of dynamic shiftings moods, pleasant female vocals and great soli on electric guitar, synthesizer and violin (Akihisa Tsuboy from KBB). Their sound reminds me of fellow Japanese band Providence because of the female vocals and jazzrock inspiration.2. Dayflower (10:04): A slow rhythm with a dreamy atmoshpere featuring awesome violin-Mellotron flights. Gradually the music becomes more lush and dynamic featuring moving, often howling electric guitar runs and a spectacular synthesizer soli. The final part delivers a short piece on classical guitar.3. Zitensia (8:30): This compositions contains dynamic an powerful interplay (guitar, piano, rhythm-section) and many fiery and howling electric guitar soli (including wah-wah). The level is very high and evokes the excellent jazzrock from Mahavishnu Orchestra, splendid!4. Koibumi (10:55): A wonderful track with a great build-up, first dreamy with flute-like keyboards, warm female vocals and tender piano runs, then gradually more lush featuring a sensitive electric guitar solo. Again Providence is on my mind because of the powerful female vocals and dynamic interplay. The final part delivers some beautiful classical guitar and just another splendid, very sensitive electric guitar solo.5. Last Sign (7:16): The atmosphere is dreamy with slow and sensitive jazzy guitar runs, soaring keyboards and strong drums. The music becomes more dynamic with sensational synthesizer flights and fiery electric guitar runs, the rhythm-section sounds strong and propulsive. The second part delivers exciting dynamic music with a swirling Hammond organ solo and harder-edged electric guitar, the interplay is amazing!
THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST JAPANESE PROGROCK ALBUMS EVER MADE, I AM SURE IT WILL PLEASE BOTH THE SYMPHONIC ROCK FANS AS THE MORE JAZZROCK INSPIRED AFICIONADOS!!

RED SAND - Gentry (****)
- This is the second effort from the Canadian band Red Sand, rooted in Quebec, the cradle of Prog Archives. The music is in the vein of their debut CD but the compositions sound more matured and their new singer has a more original and expressive voice. It's party time for the Seventies symphonic rock aficionados: pleasant and melodic 'side- long' compositions, obviously early Marillion inspired and loaded with wonderful, very sensitive guitar soli and lush Mellotron work. The slow and bombastic rhythms and eruptions deliver lots of howling electric guitar, often accompanied by majestic choir- Mellotron, GOOSE BUMPS! If you love bands like early Marillion, IQ, Pendragon and Clepsydra, you will embrace this wonderful new album from Red Sand!

ZAGUAN - Testigo Del Tiempo (****)
- Zaguan is rooted in 1997 and started as a Triana cover band. If you listen to the vocals this is not a surprise, incredible how similar the singer sounds to the late Jesus De La Rosa who died tragically in a car accident early The Eighties! If I compare Zaguan their own compositions to Triana I analyse that Zaguan sound less symphonic (short compositions and a small range of keyboards) and more folky because of the more omnipresent flamenco guitar. That's also why I have Zaguan categorized as prog folk. The 11 songs on this CD are a very melodic and tasteful progressive blend of rock, folk and symphonic featuring strong and expressive vocals (but not that typical wailing of the flamenco singers), some fiery and howling electric guitar and fluent Hammond organ soli and lots of exciting flamenco guitar runs. I fyou like Rock Andalus, especially Triana, this great Spanish prog folk band is worth to check out, WHAT A MOVING EXPERIENCE!

ZOMBY WOOF - Riding On A Tear (****)
- Zombie Woof is an extremely overlooked German progrock band from the Seventies, their name is derived from a song by Frank Zappa and his Mothers Of Invention. But their music has hardly anything to do with Frank Zappa, it's mainly keyboard driven, 24- carat symphonic rock, quite original with only some hints from Eela Craig and early Camel. The nine compositions from the original album (1977) sound pleasant and melodic featuring flowing shifting moods and lots of wonderful vintage keyboards: a sparking Grand piano with wonderful string-ensemble waves in Introduction, a beautiful blend of string-esemble, Hammond organ and mellow choir-Mellotron in the varied titletrack, lots of swinging Hohner D6 clavinet in Requiem - Part I, exciting interplay between fiery electric guitar and swinging clavinet and a splendid build-up guitar solo in the jam- like song Dora's Drive and an exciting, long synthesizer solo (with echoes from Peter Bardens) in Walking Through the Woods. One of the most beatiful tracks on this CD is Walking Through the Woods: a short intro featuring warm twanging acoustic guitar, then a slow rhythm with fluent synthesizer flights, the atmosphere becomes lush symphonic delivering great interplay between sparkling piano and senational synthesizer. The English vocals on this album sound often pleasant and warm with a slight German accent. The CD release features four bonustracks including two alternate versions from the album and two previously unreleased tracks (studio rehearsals, no more or less than fine Zomby Woof music).
THIS IS WONDERFUL, VERY MELODIC AND PLEASANT PROGRESSIVE ROCK FROM GERMANY, LOADED WITH A WIDE RANGE OF VINTAGE KEYBOARDS!!

SENOGUL - Tránsitos (****)
- Senogul is a band from the Northern part of Spain that is rooted in 2002. They have released a demo with covers from bands like ELP, Yes, Liquid Tension Experiment, Genesis and Frank Zappa. This CD contains five own compositions, the running time is only 37 minutes. But the musical level is high for a new band, I enjoyed listening to this new band very much, what a crafty musicians and what an abundance of musical ideas!
1. Dr. Gull / Racionalidad: Wonderful interplay between sparking piano and flowing, very sensitive electric guitar (with echoes from Steve Hackett) and a catchy break featuring a swinging piano and jazzy electric guitar. The interplay between the musicians is amazing!
2. Tango Mango: The band manages to capture the typical Latin-American atmosphere of the Argentine tango (I even hear the sound of the bandenon), very exciting and compelling. This long composition (at about 10 minutes) delivers many strong and surprising breaks and shifting moods and excellent work on guitar and keyboards.
3. Microcosmos Blues: It starts with an early, a bit dark and propulsive King Crimson climate, then mellow featuring twanging electric guitars and soaring keyboards. This is followed by a slow build-up, a sensitive electric guitar solo and finally quite experimental/avant-garde-like musical explorations, again very surprising and adventurous.
4. Travesía De Las Gaviotas: This is a short piece with a fine electric guitar solo.
5. La Mulata Eléctrica: Fasten your seatbelts, this long track (almost ten minutes) will take you away to an exotic progheaven! The exciting catchy and propulsive rhythm and sultry climate reminds me of Rock Andalus legend Guidalquivir and jazzrock giant Al DiMeola (like on Race With The Devil On Spanish Highway), what a splendid music! Halfway lots of fine musical ideas: a short but powerful bass solo, ‘palmas’ (handclapping), a beautiful electric guitar solo and some very swinging and virtuosic piano work, again the interplay between the musicians is outstanding.

This year Senogul will release a new CD, I’m looking forward to it! THIS BAND IS GREAT PROGROCK NEWS FROM SPAIN!!

VARIOUS ARTISTS "Odyssey - The Greatest Tale" (****)
- I would like to start with my conclusion: NOT TO BE MISSED IN ANY SERIOUS PROGROCK COLLECTION!!!
This lavish international progrock project includes 3 CD featuring nine more or less known progrock bands (each one 'epic' composition) and their musicians and instruments and a 56-page booklet that contains drawings, lyrics and stories about this project and the Greek saga the Odeysey (about Odysseus and his travels on which he met Cyclopes and Sirens).

CD1 (73:29) 1. Opener is Canadian band Nathan Mahl, led by multi-instrumentalist Guy LeBlanc (keyboards, bass and guitar). He colours the alternating music very pleasantly with his vintage keyboards (Hohner clavinet, Rhodes electric piano, Moog and Hammond), the fiery electric guitar is a strong counterpart. During the more than 20 minutes Nathan manages to keep my attention due to great soli, a wonderful vintage sound and lots of strong musical ideas. 2. Argentine band Nexus is my favorite band on this project and they don't disappoint me, the music delivers splendid early Keith Emerson inspired keyboards (fat Moogs and powerful Hammond), some heavy and propulsive guitar riffs, warm Spanish vocals, a piece with classical guitar and many great breaks, accellarations, build-ups and 'grand finales', A MASTERPIECE! 3. USA band Glass Hammer is perhaps the most known progrock band on this 3-CD, they sound here very familiar to their fans: dynamic and alternating with a melodic and accessible progrock sound featuring wonderful vintage keyboards and fiery electric guitar.

CD2 (79:23) 4. XII Alfonso from France sounds very original: an opening with classical orchestrations, choir samples and percussive sounds, then many musical ideas like jazzy with a Hammond solo, dreamy with twanging guitar and soaring keyboards and bombastic with sparkling piano, fiery guitar and flashy syntehsizers. 5. Simon Says from Sweden is another favorite of mine (I love their album Paradise Square from 2002). You have to be up to the a bit theatrical and very distinctive vocals but the duo-keyboard players deliver an outstanding and varied sound. The guitar soli are fiery (he uses an E-bow) this composition is build upon many strong soli. 6. C.A.P. is an experienced Italian band with powerful Italian vocals, lots of organ and piano and some fat, very spectacular sounding Moog soli. This song sounds fluent and often bombastic, C.A.P. is just another good, new Italian band.

CD3 (68:07) 7. Tempano from Brasil is the most original but also less accessible sounding band on this 3-CD. The track starts with church organ and opera-like vocals, then adventurous and a bit wayward progrock featuring sensitive electric guitar work, wonderful choir-Mellotron and great synthesizers. 8. Minimum Vital from France makes alternating and melodic prog with that special blend of church organ and Mike Oldfield- like electric guitar (flowing and fiery). The bombastic final part with howling guitar is very moving. 9. Aether from Brasil is the warm and pleasant final act on this 3-CD. they sound traditional with strong echoes from the neo-progressive movement with music that ranges from swinging with fluent electric guitar to dreamy with soaring keybards and mid-tempo with exciting synthesizer flights. The end is beautiful with sensitive acoustic guitar.

I would like to end with my intro: NOT TO BE MISSED IN ANY SERIOUS PROGROCK COLLECTION!!!

.... A BIG HAND FOR THE SYMPHONIC ROCK